Mark Toomey (alto sax); Jeremy McMurray (piano); Paul Donnelly (guitar); Peter Ayton (bass); Mark Robertson (drums).
This guest band, comprising of some of the finest jazz musicians from Teesside and the surrounding area, provided an evening of interesting and exciting jazz on a very cold winter's night.
Mark's original compositions, several with a distinctive Parker influence, clearly showed his great skills and talent as a composer.
Do You Have The Time?, a nice swinging blues with a fine alto intro and improvised solos all round, set the style for the evening, clearly showing the quintet's high standard of musicianship.
The medium swing Blues For K.J. - written for Mark's father - preceded a change in mood with a fast Latin number aptly named by Mark Those Rainy Summer Days once again included great solos all round.
A beautifully played ballad, Song For Laura, dedicated to Mark's daughter, had sensitive and moving solos. It was followed by another number about Laura, aged 3, called Cheeky Monkey.
Jimmy Van Heusen's It Could Happen To You was nicely played before the first set was brought to a close with a Latin/swing number by Mark - Mark Time.
The second set began with another of Mark's Parker influenced numbers - Jump High - with fine octave work on guitar by Paul. A very nice Latin rhythm was then set up with drums and bass for Mark's Trieste with Jeremy demonstrating his excellent piano skills with a tasty solo followed by guitar and sax.
An exciting version of the Latin Mambo Inn showed just how tight an ensemble they really were.
Cut and Run another up tempo, Parker influenced, number of Mark's based on the I've Got Rhythm changes finished the night in style with a driving rhythm, exciting solos and a great ensemble sound to finish.
It is always a pleasure to hear such good arrangements played at this level. Hopefully we will look forward to them appearing again next year. A special thanks to Mark Robertson for travelling from Sunderland in this winter weather. Also thanks again to the staff of Dorman's for their support with this weekly jazz night. Ron Hampton
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